One of the first things that strikes you as you begin reading 1 Peter is that it doesn't try to disguise the hardships that come as part and parcel of being a Christian, as if the Christian life should be all ‘beer and skittles’ and we mustn't be doing it right if it isn't.
Instead Peter writes to encourage us that while we live in this world, suffering, trials and rejection by the world for being a Christian is all part of God’s grace to those he has chosen and called to be his forever. When we suffer grief in all kinds of trials because we are Christians, it isn't because God isn't in control – it’s because he is in control, and is preparing us for the perfect eternal future that we will certainly inherit when this world is no more.
It’s no wonder that we read that we are strangers to this world – we are in it but not of it. This world – the world that doesn't know the true God – should not feel like home to a Christian. People won’t understand why we won’t fall in with what the world thinks is okay. We’ll feel on the outer – like a stranger. That’s okay! That’s God’s grace to us. This world is not our home. It shouldn't feel like it is.
Let’s encourage one another as we share our lives to be bold in standing firm in this grace of God, and not caving in to the world so that we fit in.
In Christ’s love,
Paul
Instead Peter writes to encourage us that while we live in this world, suffering, trials and rejection by the world for being a Christian is all part of God’s grace to those he has chosen and called to be his forever. When we suffer grief in all kinds of trials because we are Christians, it isn't because God isn't in control – it’s because he is in control, and is preparing us for the perfect eternal future that we will certainly inherit when this world is no more.
It’s no wonder that we read that we are strangers to this world – we are in it but not of it. This world – the world that doesn't know the true God – should not feel like home to a Christian. People won’t understand why we won’t fall in with what the world thinks is okay. We’ll feel on the outer – like a stranger. That’s okay! That’s God’s grace to us. This world is not our home. It shouldn't feel like it is.
Let’s encourage one another as we share our lives to be bold in standing firm in this grace of God, and not caving in to the world so that we fit in.
In Christ’s love,
Paul
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